Power Heat Radio

02/09/2025

26/08/2025

📌Malacañang Announces Relief Order for PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III

Manila, Philippines – In a statement released today, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has been relieved from his position, effective immediately, following a directive from the Office of the President.

Gen. Torre has been directed to oversee a comprehensive handover of all pertinent documents and information to ensure a seamless transition and the continued efficient delivery of public service by the PNP.

24/08/2025

📌President Marcos Jr. Vows Accountability for Substandard Flood Control Projects

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to holding those responsible accountable for substandard flood-control structures in the country. This statement came as he inspected two projects in Tuba, Benguet, on August 24, 2025.

During the inspection, he pointed out that the Rock Shed Project at Sitio Camp 6 along Kennon Road was poorly constructed, emphasizing that such work wastes government funds.

He also highlighted alleged overpricing in the installation of rock netting at Sitio Camp 5, indicating corruption that ultimately deprives the people of benefits.

“I hope you continue to report these issues. And I'm not just talking to local government officials, but to anyone. If you know something, tell us, and we will have it inspected. If there's a problem, we will fix it,” the President stated in his media address.

🎥 RTVM

24/08/2025

📌Former Carcar City Mayor Apura Accepts Ombudsman's Ruling

Former Carcar City Mayor and current City Councilor Nicepuro “Nice” Apura has announced that he will no longer file a motion for reconsideration regarding the Office of the Ombudsman's recent ruling. The ruling found him guilty of conduct unbecoming of a public officer in connection to a land dispute case filed against him in 2018.

Apura clarified that he believes he did not commit any crime but respects the Ombudsman’s decision.

Instead of contesting the ruling, Apura stated that he will formally seek clarification on when the penalty will take effect—specifically, whether it will be based on his salary as mayor or his current compensation as a councilor.

“I will only clarify the reckoning point of the penalty—whether it's based on my time as mayor or my current position as councilor,” Apura said.

Despite the penalty, Apura expressed gratitude that the Ombudsman dismissed other cases filed against him, including grave abuse of authority, oppression, misconduct, and dishonesty.

🎥 The Freeman

24/08/2025

📌Cebu and Bohol Set to Receive ₱480B Boost from Infrastructure Projects

SugBohol – The Marcos administration is making a significant investment in the Central Visayas region, earmarking over ₱480 billion for ten key Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) in Cebu and Bohol. These projects aim to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The comprehensive infrastructure plan includes a variety of initiatives, with the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project leading the way. Expected to be operational by 2027, the BRT will continue to expand its services beyond 2028.

Several other vital projects are slated to commence after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term. These include:

- Ongoing BRT operations and maintenance
- Construction of the 4th Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road
- The Consolacion-Liloan Bypass Road Project
- Development of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP)
- The Metro Cebu Expressway project
- Upgrades and expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport
- Construction of the Panglao-Tagbilaran City Offshore Bridge Connector
- The Cebu Urban Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Central Line
- The Panglao-Tagbilaran Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

While Region 7 has a total of 32 infrastructure projects planned, these ten have been specifically prioritized for Cebu and Bohol due to their potential impact on regional connectivity and economic development.

Jennifer Bretaña, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-Central Visayas (DEPDev-7), emphasized the strategic importance of these projects. "These 10 projects are considered region-specific physical-connectivity developments based on the Urban Transport Masterplan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2019," she stated.

The overarching strategy is to create an intermodal transportation system, linking various modes of transport, including pedestrian walkways, bicycles, jeepneys, buses, and the higher-capacity BRT and MRT systems.

The plan envisions commuters seamlessly transitioning between different modes of transportation. Commuters can take a jeepney or walk to the nearest BRT station, transfer to buses, and connect to an MRT station, if needed. To further improve traffic flow, private vehicles will be rerouted to bypass roads, freeing up central routes for public transportation.

"BRT was not intended as a stand-alone system," Bretaña clarified. "Since MRT was too expensive, it was only prudent to start with BRT first."

Key Projects in Detail:

- Cebu MRT and BRT Systems: The proposed Cebu MRT will be an underground railway spanning 67.5 km from Danao City to Carcar City, with an additional 25-km extension to Lapu-Lapu City. The project is estimated to cost ₱199.62 billion and will be financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA). The Cebu BRT, with a budget of ₱28.78 billion from the World Bank, will run along a 17-km segregated line from Barangay Bulacao to Cebu IT Park. Package 1 is scheduled for a test run next month, 13 years after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) initially approved it in 2012. Its long-term operations and maintenance will be managed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with full completion expected after 2028.
- Cebu-Mactan Bridge: To alleviate traffic congestion on Mactan Island, the 4th Cebu-Mactan Bridge will be constructed at a cost of ₱76.41 billion, with funding from ODA-Japan. The 3.34-km bridge, featuring a 2.17-km viaduct, will connect the island to mainland Cebu and includes the 5.43-km Mandaue Coastal Road. The project is currently awaiting the renewal of its Environmental Compliance Certificate.
- Container Port and Bypass Road: The ₱16.93-billion NCICP in Consolacion broke ground in February 2024, with a completion rate of 3.2 percent as of June. Located on a 25-hectare reclaimed site, the port aims to decongest the Cebu International Port. A ₱32.74-billion Consolacion-Liloan Bypass Road, funded by ODA-Korea, will complement the port by linking it to the Mandaue Coastal Road and Liloan pier.
- Metro Cebu Expressway: The ₱94.07-billion Metro Cebu Expressway, a 33–58 km six-lane road from Naga to Cebu City, has been removed from the IFP pipeline as the provincial government will oversee its management. The project experienced setbacks due to a landslide damaging Section 3a in Naga City. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will repair the damaged section, while the province will manage the remaining segments.
- Bohol Projects: The final three projects included in the IFP pipeline are located in Bohol. The proposed Panglao-Tagbilaran Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a 27-kilometer high-capacity line connecting Bohol-Panglao International Airport to Tagbilaran City and surrounding areas, is estimated to cost ₱18.15 billion. Funding will be sourced through the General Appropriations Act (GAA), and the project is currently in the pre-preparation phase. The Panglao-Tagbilaran City Offshore Bridge Connector, a ₱10.78-billion project supported by ODA from France, will feature a four-lane, 1,032.9-meter main bridge linking mainland Bohol to Panglao Island. While the bridge approaches and smaller offshore spans have been completed, construction of the main bridge is still pending. Lastly, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport will undergo upgrades, expansion, and long-term operational improvements. The ₱4.53 billion project is being implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) awarded to Aboitiz InfraCapital. The scope of work includes expanding the passenger terminal area, enhancing associated infrastructure and facilities, and upgrading airside systems to increase capacity and service efficiency.

This ambitious infrastructure plan is expected to generate numerous jobs, attract investment, and improve the overall economic landscape of Cebu and Bohol, ensuring sustainable growth and development for years to come.

20/08/2025

📌Gov. Aumentado Encourages Boholanos to Buy "Bugas Bol-anon"

Governor Erico Aris Aumentado is encouraging residents of Bohol to purchase "Bugas Bol-anon," a rice product that is 100% Bohol-grown, now available for sale at ₱36 per kilogram.

Where to Buy:

- Bohol Showcase Center & Study Hub, CPG Park (across Bohol Wisdom School)
- Provincial Capitol, First Floor Lobby

Available Pack Sizes:

- 50kg sack
- 25kg sack
- 5kg bag
- 2kg pack

This initiative is made possible through the Provincial Palay Buy-Back (PPBB) Program, which protects local farmers from exploitative traders by purchasing their harvest at fair market prices. The program aims to ensure better income for farming communities while strengthening the province’s pursuit of food security, in line with its Strategic Change Agenda.

Let's Eat Local, Buy Local, and Support Bohol’s Farmers!

19/08/2025

📍Gatchalian: Some Major Flood Control Contractors Undercapitalized

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that five of the 15 major contractors for flood control projects in the country are undercapitalized.

These companies include QM Builders (latest paid-up capital of 1.25 million pesos), Centerways Construction and Development Corporation (45 million pesos), Triple 8 Construction and Supply Incorporated (90 million pesos), Wawao Builders (50 million pesos), and MG Samidan (250 thousand pesos).

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Gatchalian questioned why the DPWH allowed these companies to secure projects worth billions of pesos despite their small capital.

The Senator believes that these companies cannot afford to fund multi-billion peso projects, increasing the likelihood of cost-cutting, substandard work, and delays.

According to the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) rules, large projects worth 480 million pesos or more require a capital of at least one billion pesos for Quadruple A or Triple A companies.

Gatchalian has requested the DPWH to submit information on the level at which these large contracts were approved and awarded to the undercapitalized companies.

📷 Senate of the Philippines

19/08/2025

📍DPWH Investigates 'Ghost' Flood Control Projects in Bulacan; Secretary Bonoan Vows Accountability

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has confirmed that he has dispatched a technical and financial audit team to validate reports of "ghost" flood control projects, particularly in the province of Bulacan.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, the Secretary confirmed receiving reports of "ghost" flood control projects, especially in the first engineering district office of Bulacan, which covers Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy.

Bonoan expects to receive the report on the matter next week.

He assured that if any projects are proven to be "ghost" projects, those involved will be held accountable.

The DPWH Secretary also confirmed that former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara has been relieved from his post and is currently in floating status.

Bonoan added that once he obtains complete documentation, he will issue preventive suspensions to several DPWH employees, possibly within August.

19/08/2025

📌Quirante of QM Builders Grilled by Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Over Flood Control Projects

Allan Quirante of QM Builders faced tough questioning from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding his company's flood control projects. Senator Rodante Marcoleta challenged Quirante's statements, questioning the credibility of his claims about the company's assets.

19/08/2025

📌Bohol to Receive ₱400-Million Boost from PRDP Projects

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – The Provincial Government of Bohol is preparing to hand over ₱400 million worth of projects funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) to several communities on August 22nd and 23rd, 2025.

The turnover follows a progress review held this afternoon, August 19th, 2025, by provincial capitol officials during the PPMIU I-Plan Updates. The review ensured the smooth transition of major infrastructure and enterprise initiatives to their beneficiaries.

The projects slated for turnover include:

- The rehabilitation of the Pondol, Candaigan Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Pondol, Loon.
- The rehabilitation of the Campagao Cabacnitan FMR in Campagao, Bilar.
- The Bohol Feeds Production and Marketing Enterprise of BONACGA in Lagtangan, Sevilla.
- The Bohol Highland Vegetables Consolidation and Marketing Enterprise of GARCBC in Guio-ang, Guindulman.
- The Bohol Silage Vegetable Consolidation and Marketing Enterprise of FCCT in Poblacion, San Miguel.

These projects are expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity, enhance market access for local farmers, and bolster local enterprises throughout the province.

"Congratulations to the municipalities of Loon, Bilar, Sevilla, Guindulman, and San Miguel for receiving these vital infrastructure and enterprise support," stated Governor Erico Aris Aumentado.

18/08/2025

📌Bohol Governor Aumentado Backs Fight Against Trafficking, Child Labor

Governor Erico Aris Aumentado has pledged his full support to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACAT-VAWC), reinforcing the Bohol Provincial Government’s dedication to eradicating child labor and human trafficking. During an IACAT-VAWC meeting held at the Governor's Office,

Aumentado emphasized the necessity of a collaborative effort involving government bodies, local units, law enforcement, and civil society. Xhelxea Lerios, Lead Secretariat of IACAT-VAWC 7, expressed gratitude for the Governor's commitment, noting that it significantly enhances the council’s mission to protect vulnerable women and children. Lerios stated, "We are very happy; I truly see Governor's 100% commitment."

18/08/2025

📌Bohol Coconut Farmers to Receive Free Medical Assistance

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – Governor Erico Aris Aumentado has announced that approximately 103,000 registered coconut farmers in Bohol will soon receive free medical assistance through a partnership between the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center.

The initiative falls under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program, which aims to support coconut farmers and their families. The medical assistance includes hospitalization coverage of up to P40,000 per patient and an additional P5,000 for out-of-pocket expenses, including mobile health services.

This program is expected to significantly alleviate the healthcare burden on Bohol's coconut farming community.